1. What is public administration?
Woodrow Wilson believed that PA meant that administration and politics should be separate from each other. (Quoted in Sharpe 31) Since the 1930’s, the field of PA has changed to add more economic management and social equity to the classical objectives and rationale. (Quoted in Sharpe 31).A more modern definition would include the formation and implementation of public policy and an amalgamation of management based strategies including PODSCRB. Behaviorally based practices are included from psychology/sociology and it is framed within a democratic framework of accountability. The formation and implementation of policy has since included the nonprofit and for profit communities. (Quoted in Sharpe 31)
2. How do governments raise funds?
The government makes its money by the constitution and legislation that permits it to tax its citizens. States also collect taxes through the permission of their constitution and government departments authorize local governments to levy taxes. Money is often raised by fees such as permits to public beaches, driver’s licenses, building permits and sales taxes made by states when purchases are made in stores.
3. Government/public services are administered through a bureaucracy structure. According to the authors, what does a bureaucracy entail?
A bureaucracy usually entails a system where goods and services can be provided in the most efficient manner possible. (Quoted in Sharpe 29) The writer believes that Weber’s definition of bureaucracy is still relevant and includes jurisdictional boundaries typically prescribed by laws or administrative regulations. There is a hierarchy which ensures an ordered system where superiors monitor subordinates. There is also a reliance on written documents and expertly trained managers. The management of the organization and individuals rely on each other to provide the basis of community. There are also general rules, which can be learned and applied uniformly more or less. (Quoted in Sharpe 29)
4. Volunteerism is a major component of public service and public administration. Why is volunteerism so important?
Volunteerism is so important because serving others maintains the openness and optimism of a democracy and promotes civic responsibility. People can also learn new skills and find their calling. This has been demonstrated by school based learning service and efforts by students at universities to help in national disasters.
5. What are the components of the public service system?
The public service is created through three branches of government that are set out in the Constitution at the Federal level. Various government departments are given legislative power and responsibilities that public servants administer and must abide by. Similarly the Federal Government often gives funding to the States to administer. Like the Federal government, states also have a constitution and the power of government bodies is made clear by the legislation of each state. Local Government powers are also legislated by the state.
Works Cited
Sharpe, M. "Public Administration." Chegg, 8th July 2015.
